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Viaduct Renovation wins global award

The Makatote rail viaduct renovation project (featured in Contractor March 2017 issue ) took out the Award For Structural Heritage at the Institution of Structural Engineers’ 2017 Structural Awards, held in London last month.

The winners were chosen from a shortlist of 45 pioneering global projects that showcase the ingenuity and expertise of the engineers behind them.

A diverse range of structures, from temples to tourist attractions, were recognised across 14 categories which singled-out engineering excellence and highlighted the important role played by structural engineers in the building journey.

The judging panel, made up of a distinguished group of industry experts, commented on the ‘ elegant, non-intrusive detailing of the strengthening procedures’, such as new tension rods hidden behind existing structural members, meaning that the heritage aspects of the viaduct have been fully maintained, while enabling increased loading from modern railway traffic. The judges were of the view that the engineers – Opus International Consultants and TBS Farnsworth (for client KiwiRail) has given a new lease of life for an iconic heritage viaduct.

The Christchurch Arts Centre – Block C was also commended in the Structural Heritage category, and the seismic strengthening of the Majestic Centre in Wellington, received a commendation in the Sustainability category. Both projects were completed by engineers Holmes Consulting.